SAN DIEGO – Airman Taylor Lechner, a native of Portersville, Pennsylvania, joined the Navy to have a change of life and to help others.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Brown |
“My grandpa was in the Army so I wanted to switch it up a little bit,” said Lechner.
Now, almost two years later, Lechner serves aboard one of the Navy’s amphibious ships at Naval Base San Diego.
Lechner, a 2017 graduate of Slippery Rock Senior High School, serves aboard USS Essex, one of four Wasp-class amphibious assault ships in the Navy, homeported in San Diego.
“I'm the float coat team manager," said Lechner. "We maintain and repair personal floatation jackets for the ship.”
Now, almost two years later, Lechner serves aboard one of the Navy’s amphibious ships at Naval Base San Diego.
Lechner, a 2017 graduate of Slippery Rock Senior High School, serves aboard USS Essex, one of four Wasp-class amphibious assault ships in the Navy, homeported in San Diego.
“I'm the float coat team manager," said Lechner. "We maintain and repair personal floatation jackets for the ship.”
Lechner credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Portersville.
“Forgiveness is always key," said Lechner. "We're all under stress and sometimes we say things we don't mean. You can't hold grudges. You've got to care of others. We're all in this together.”
Essex is designed to deliver U.S. Marines and their equipment where they are needed to support a variety of missions ranging from amphibious assaults to humanitarian relief efforts. Designed to be versatile, the ship has the option of simultaneously using helicopters, Harrier jets, and Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC), as well as conventional landing craft and assault vehicles in various combinations.
Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice.
Sailors' jobs are highly varied aboard Essex. More than 1,000 men and women make up the ship's crew, which keeps all parts of the ship running smoothly, from handling weaponry to maintaining the engines. An additional 1,200 Marines can be embarked.
“My favorite part about working with Marines is that we have different regulations but we all get along," said Lechner. "It's very different, but it's the same. I didn't think I would be so close to another branch but they're good people as well. We work together as one team.”
Serving in the Navy means Lechner is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
America is a maritime nation, and the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Lechner is most proud of completing her Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist qualification as soon as she was able after checking on board.
“That shows leadership that you are capable and willing to get the job done,” said Lechner.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Lechner and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means serving the country and people I care for and serving the people on board, my shipmates. I have another family,” said Lechner.